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February 7, 2006
OHIOANS ENCOURAGED TO REMEMBER WILDLIFE
WHEN PREPARING STATE TAX RETURNS
Donations to income tax check-off fund benefit wildlife diversity in the Buckeye State
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio taxpayers’ support of wildlife diversity has paid dividends in protecting the state’s endangered species, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The box that thousands of Ohioans check annually when completing the state income tax return provides support for the division’s Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Income Tax Check-off Fund. Money from that fund has helped the division achieve great success in reestablishing the bald eagle to record numbers in the state, and has been used in management efforts that are helping increase the population numbers of several other species, including the osprey, peregrine falcon, snowshoe hare, and Eastern plains garter snake populations.
 “Since its inception, the tax check-off has contributed more than $11 million for use in conserving endangered species, including the bald eagle,” said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “Ohioans who have contributed to the check-off program can see the results of their donations in the recovery of species like the osprey and peregrine falcon; educational programs like Project WILD in the schools or at COSI; and support of community-based programs such as development of bluebird trails.”
Wildlife check-off funds also help support informational programs, including the state’s annual Wildlife Diversity Conference.
Contributions to the fund can be made by checking line 29 on form 1040 or line 20 on the 1040-EZ income tax form.
Donations to the Ohio Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund can be made through the 2005 Ohio Income Tax form by checking line 29 of the 1040 form or line 20 on the 1040-EZ. Direct contributions can be sent in care of the fund to the Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Building G, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693.
In addition, a portion of the money generated from the sales of cardinal and bald eagle license plates benefits the state’s wildlife diversity fund. Plates can be purchased through a local registrar, online at OPLATES.com or by calling 1-888-PLATES3. Donations can also be made via the Internet at ohiodnr.com/wildlife. Click on the red “donate” button on the left side of the page.
To learn more about wildlife diversity in Ohio, visit the Division of Wildlife’s web page at ohiodnr.com/wildlife.
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